New controls introduced on overseas purchases

The form which shoppers will need to complete on the AFIP website in order to make online purchases

From today onwards, consumers wishing to buy products from outside Argentina online will have to complete a sworn statement, which will have to be presented before delivery or on picking up goods from the Central Post Office.

The Federal Administration of Public Incomes (AFIP), through resolution 3579, introduced the new control on internet purchases with the aim of further stemming the flow of dollars out of the country. The new form can be filled out entering the tax agency's website, although users will require a Fiscal Code.

Cabinet Chief Jorge Capitanich stated that "internet transactions have seen extraordinary growth," explaining that figures had soared from 1000 purchases a year in 2005 to 30,000 in the last 12 months.

According to the new regulations, those who carry out purchases online on foreign websites and receive the products through the official postal service - including door-to-door services, should enter the AFIP website, select form No. 4550 (purchases from foreign providers) and complete the paperwork with details of the transaction.